Archives July 2025

The desert landscape of Arizona is beautiful, but it can also present unique challenges for residential properties. From shifting soils to the intense heat and monsoon moisture, your home’s structure is constantly under stress. Knowing the early warning signs of a potential problem can save you thousands of dollars and give you invaluable peace of mind.

At Schembri Engineers, we’ve been helping homeowners throughout Phoenix, Scottsdale, and the surrounding areas since 1985. Here are the top 10 signs that it may be time to call a professional structural engineer for an expert evaluation.

1. Cracks in Your Foundation, Walls, or Stucco

While hairline cracks can sometimes be cosmetic, larger or jagged cracks are a significant red flag. They can indicate soil settlement, foundation movement, or other serious structural issues that need a professional eye.

2. Doors or Windows that Stick or Won’t Close

If a door or window suddenly becomes difficult to open or close, it may be a sign of a misaligned frame caused by structural movement. Don’t just ignore it; this could be an early symptom of a shifting foundation.

3. Sagging Floors or Ceilings

A floor or ceiling that has a noticeable dip or “sag” often points to weakened or compromised support beams, joists, or trusses. This is a critical issue that requires an immediate inspection to prevent further damage.

4. Bowed or Leaning Walls

Exterior or interior walls that appear to be bowing inward or leaning outward are a clear indication of a structural problem. This can be caused by excessive pressure from the soil, a weakened foundation, or improper load-bearing support.

5. Water Intrusion or Persistent Moisture

While a plumber handles the pipes, a structural engineer can help if water is getting into your basement or crawl space. Persistent moisture can weaken a home’s foundation and lead to long-term structural damage.

6. Signs of Termite or Pest Damage

Termites and other pests can wreak havoc on wood framing, beams, and joists. After a pest control company has treated the problem, a structural engineer can assess the extent of the damage and design the necessary repairs.

7. Post-Fire or Natural Disaster Damage

If your home has experienced a fire, flood, or other disaster, a structural engineer is essential to evaluate the integrity of the remaining structure. Our forensic engineers can determine the safety of the building and design a plan for a safe rebuild.

8. Before a Major Renovation

Planning to remove a load-bearing wall, add a second story, or create an open-concept space? Before you start knocking down walls, you need a structural design from a professional to ensure your home remains safe and sound.

9. As Part of a Pre-Purchase Inspection

Before you buy a new home, a specialized structural inspection can give you complete peace of mind. Our team, which includes a Board Certified Building Inspection Engineer, can identify hidden problems that a standard home inspection might miss.

10. You’re Building a New Custom Home

A structural engineer is a crucial partner in the design phase of a new build. At Schembri Engineers, our design and engineering services ensure your custom home is built to the highest standards of safety and durability from the very beginning.

Trust Schembri Engineers with Your Home

As a family-owned business with over 40 years of experience and more than 15,000 satisfied clients, we are the trusted choice for residential structural engineering in Arizona. If you’ve noticed any of these signs, don’t wait for the problem to get worse.

Contact Schembri Engineers today to schedule a professional inspection and get the expert advice you need to protect your home.

Scottsdale is known for its beautiful homes, unique architecture, and dynamic landscape. But with extreme weather, soil shifts, and the simple passage of time, residential properties can face a variety of structural challenges. Whether you’re planning a major renovation, building a new custom home, or concerned about a crack in your foundation, having a trusted residential structural engineer in Scottsdale AZ is essential.

At Schembri Engineers, we’ve been serving Arizona for over 40 years, and we understand the unique demands of the Scottsdale housing market. We’re here to help you protect your most valuable investment.

When to Hire a Structural Engineer in Scottsdale

You might be surprised by all the reasons a homeowner might need a structural engineer. It’s not just for massive construction projects. Here are some of the most common reasons residents of Scottsdale turn to us:

• Foundation Concerns: Noticing cracks in your stucco, drywall, or concrete slab? A professional evaluation can determine if the issue is cosmetic or a symptom of a deeper structural problem.
• Home Renovations: Planning to remove a load-bearing wall, add a new story, or install a large window or door? Our team ensures your changes are structurally sound and meet all local building codes.
• Pre-Purchase Inspections: Before buying a home, an independent structural inspection can provide invaluable peace of mind and identify any hidden issues that could be costly down the line.
• Water and Termite Damage: Water intrusion or pest damage can compromise a home’s structural integrity. A structural engineer can assess the extent of the damage and design the necessary repairs.
• Building a Custom Home: A structural engineer is a critical partner in the design process, ensuring your home is built with the highest standards of safety and durability from the ground up.

The Schembri Engineers Difference

For over four decades, our family-owned firm has built a reputation for excellence, honesty, and a deep commitment to our clients. We have performed thousands of inspections and designs, earning the trust of over 15,000 satisfied clients in Arizona and Nevada.

Here’s why we are the right choice for your Scottsdale home:

• Local Expertise: We are familiar with the specific soil conditions, climate challenges, and building codes of Scottsdale and the surrounding Valley. This local knowledge is crucial for providing accurate and relevant solutions.
• Board Certified Professionals: Our team includes one of the only Board Certified Building Inspection Engineers in the country, a testament to our expertise and dedication to quality.
• Comprehensive Services: Beyond residential structural design and inspections, we offer a full suite of services, including civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering, as well as construction forensics and defect investigation.
• Award-Winning Service: We were honored with the Angi Super Service Award in 2023, a recognition of our commitment to exceptional customer service and quality work.

Protect Your Investment with Schembri Engineers

Your home is more than just a building; it’s a place where memories are made. Don’t take chances with its structural integrity. If you’re a homeowner in Scottsdale and have a structural engineering need—big or small—trust the experts who have been serving the community since 1985.

Contact Schembri Engineers today for a consultation and let our experience and commitment work for you.